About the role#
FWD.us is seeking a full-time External Affairs Intern for the Fall 2026 term. This role supports the organization's immigration and criminal justice reform efforts through earned media, communications, and digital strategy. The internship requires a commitment of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm, for a minimum of 4 months.
What you'll do#
- Monitor daily media coverage, including FWD.us mentions and national news regarding immigration and criminal justice.
- Assist with weekly media tracking and the distribution of press releases, including proofreading and copyediting.
- Manage social media engagement by monitoring incoming messages and drafting content for various platforms.
- Support visual content creation, such as resizing assets, designing simple graphics, and editing short videos.
- Conduct research on digital trends, reporters, and audience insights.
- Provide operational support for daily office tasks.
What you'll need#
- Demonstrated interest in immigration and criminal justice reform.
- Strong organizational skills with a detail-oriented approach to tasks.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Basic knowledge of social media platforms.
- Proficiency in Canva or video editing software is considered a bonus.
- Background or interest in digital strategy, communications, or social justice is preferred.
Location & details#
- This position is based in either Los Angeles, California, or Washington, D.C.
- The work modality is hybrid, requiring on-site presence on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with remote work on Wednesdays and Fridays.
- This is a paid, full-time internship.
About FWD.us
FWD.us is a nonprofit organization focused on criminal justice and immigration policy. It operates as a policy group that seeks to create solutions for these two systems. The organization started in 2013 and maintains a staff of 52 employees. Its primary office is located in San Francisco.
How to get in at FWD.us
Securing an internship at FWD.us requires staying ahead of the application volume. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first. Early applicants get seen before the pile grows. You should also focus on building a direct connection with the team. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the role or a referral, which materially improves response rates.
